Home builders contribute to world fundraising drive

Real Estate Weekly, Jan 12, 2005

Kaplan Companies has begun its own fund drive, in one small way to help the millions of people whose lives the tsunami has devastated.

The company is matching all donations it receives from its 200 employees. In addition, the company will donate $500 for each contract it signs for a home purchase through the month of January.

"2004 was a good year for real estate, and I urge all companies in our industry to pitch in to help the victims," said Jason Kaplan, president of Kaplan Companies. "While our collective donations are just a drop in the bucket, we hope the effort can be a help to someone who desperately needs it."

Kaplan said company officials are now researching various tsunami relief agencies, ensuring the money raised is sent where it can do the greatest good.

Kaplan Companies, a full-service real estate company, has built more than 25,000 homes across New Jersey in the past 50 years, and has been involved in numerous projects in Georgia, Pennsylvania, Florida and Texas. The company excels in residential and commercial development, mortgage and title services and property management.